House Bill 282 also would forbid state employees from lobbying activities - unless part of their job - for a year after leaving government employment.
Such a prohibition would not not apply to legislators or political appointees in policy-making positions, such as the governor's staff or Cabinet.
If the Legislature passes the bill, the penalty for taking a gift would be a felony under current law.
The bill wouldn't cover an unsolicited item or memento under $25 or a gift from a charitable organization.
Sponsor, Rep. John Dougall, R-Highland, says the bill is needed to remind state employees that they cannot take gifts because they have a state job.
While stressing that most employees are not soliciting gifts, Dougall said some are, and he is carrying the legislation for unnamed businesses who have had problems with state employees soliciting gifts.
"Its' a very serious matter," Dougall said.
Questioned about why elected officials are exempt from the legislation, Dougall said there was difference between workers and elected officials.
"A public official, an elected official has to stand for election for what they've done," he said.
The bill passed the House Government Operations Committee by a 7-to-4 vote.
Lawmakers so far this session have killed several bills trying to ban or tighten regulation of lobbyist gifts to legislators.
- Thomas Burr
